Helston Town Band are pleased to announce that their first concert of 2015 will be held on the 25th April at 7:30pm and will be in the Epworth Hall. This is a joint concert with RAOST choir. Tickets will be available on the door at £8:00.

What a fantastic day for the band. We had hoped to get a top 6 result and we achieved it. This is down to the hard work and determination of all concerned. A massive thank you goes to Mr David Johnson for putting the band through their paces and leading them to a superb performance.

Our thanks also go to Clare, Louise Richard and Andrew for stepping in and especially to Kevin for all of the hard work he put into bringing the band together.

We would also like to congratulate all of the other cornish bands on their successes again this year

Helston Town Band are pleased to extend a warm welcome to Mr David Johnson who will take the band to Torquay for the first time in March.

Born and raised in Sennen Cove near Lands End in Cornwall, David began his playing career on baritone with Penzance Silver Band before moving to Solo Euphonium at Lanner and District Silver Band, playing until he joined the Royal Marines Band Service in 1990. During his 24 years as a professional musician in the Royal Marines, his career has taken him all over the world, performing as a soloist in the USA, Canada, Russia, Ethiopia, Japan and Australia.

In addition to his talents as a performer, David is also prolific arranger for wind and brass bands. For the past nine years his music has been featured at the Mountbatten Festival of Music at the Royal Albert Hall and his more recent works include arrangements performed at the world premiere of the James Bond film ‘Skyfall’ and for Classic FM chart-topping saxophonist, Amy Dixon. In recognition of his achievements in this area, in 2013 he was awarded the prestigious Herbert Lott Award for Innovation and Invention in Orchestration.

David started his conducting career with Torbay Brass and in 2006 moved to Verwood Concert Brass where, over the course of three years, the band was promoted from Third to First Section. In 2010 David took up the position of Musical Director at Aldbourne Band and in 2011 steered the band to victories at the West of England First Section Regional Championships, Senior Trophy at the Spring Festival and the National Finals in Cheltenham. As recognition of his achievements with the band, he was nominated as ‘Conductor of the Year’ in the 4BarsRest Awards in 2011. Since Aldbourne’s meteoric rise to the Championship Section, David has achieved 3rd placings with the band at the Regional Championships in 2013 and 2014 respectively. These successes were also mirrored at the Spring Festival with promotion into the British Open’s Grand Shield in 2013.

Having spent most of 2014 in the euphonium section of Cory Band, ranked number one in the world, David has picked up his baton once again and is returning to his home-county to work with Helston Town Band in their preparations for the West of England Regionals in March.

We are looking forward to success at Torquay under his directorship.

If you would like to hear the band play under David's leadership, they will be holding an rehearsal at the Masonic Hall, Cross Street, Helston on Wednesday March 11th at 7:45pm.

Not only did the band perform another evening of top entertainment, in what is one of its most popular events of the year, but also paid tribute to its longest - serving member, veteran Cornet player, Russell Harvey.

Former Postal Officer Russell, 79, is marking his 70th year as a loyal member of Helston Town Band, having joined towards the end of the war, in 1944. In recognition of this unparalleled achievement, he was presented with certificates and medals by the Chairman of Cornwall Brass Band Association, Trevor Bedding. He also received a special recognition from Brass Bands England.

The band itself also paid tribute to Russell, with long- serving former Musical Director, Edward Ashton, himself first associated with the band in the 1940s, speaking about his lifelong professional and personal relationship with Russell, who is a shining example to all bandsmen.

The band presented Russell with a silver salver and former playing colleague, Debbie Retallick, also made a welcome appearance, presenting Russell with a framed picture of him leading the band during the 7 o'clock dance on this year's Flora Day.

In recognition of the whole family’s support, Russell’s wife, Veronica was presented with a bouquet. For the Harvey family, Helston Town Band has become part of their life. Their son, Ian, is also a lifelong band member and was Principal Cornet for over 30 years, whilst his brother Malcolm is a former player. Russell’s brother, John, was a loyal band member for 40 years.